Nautical star tattoos are one of the oldest tattoo symbols which have been around for over a century! Although, the true nautical star tattoos meanings are still not very clear, there are a lot of probable meanings that people firmly believe in.
Though tattoos have gained popularity over the last few decades, they have been in existence since a long time. One of the earliest tattoos, which has been around for more than a hundred years is the nautical star tattoo. However, the history of tattoo designs of nautical stars like many other maritime tattoos, is shrouded in mystery. The thing about symbols is that their meanings keep on changing as time progresses. The meaning of nautical star tattoos has changed quite a lot in the last two decades, and is still a subject of speculation. In a nutshell, these tattoos need not necessarily convey any meaning to the person who sees it.
What do Nautical Star Tattoos Mean?
There are a lot of controversies surrounding the true meaning. Over the years, many groups have tried to adapt tattoo designs of the nautical star with their own unique interpretation. Thus, its symbolism has led to wide disagreement on the actual significance of nautical star tattoos. But one thing everyone agrees unanimously on is, that the first group of people to wear tattoo designs of nautical stars were sailors.
Back in the good old days, before modern navigation came into existence, sailors would navigate their ships with the help of stars, the North star and Southern Cross star in particular, along with various other constellations in the sky. As stars played a pivotal role in taking them home safely, sailors being superstitious, started inking nautical stars as a tribute to the star that they relied on for returning home safely. Besides sailors, soldiers also get these type of star tattoos as they symbolize protection and guidance.
In the recent years, nautical star tattoos have become popular with many distinct groups. One such group includes musicians and followers of punk rock. The main reason for this is the association of the nautical star with Sailor Jerry and the popularity of his signature tattoos, which included these type of star tattoos. Another group that was allegedly associated with nautical star tattoos is the gay and lesbian community, especially during the 1940s and 1950s. But ultimately, of all tattoos of stars, nautical star tattoos have become very famous, and are not restricted to any specific group of people. However, regarding its meaning, there is still some disagreement on what is the underlying significance of nautical star tattoo designs, especially in today’s time and age. Most people believe that the nautical star still represents guidance. For some, they are a symbol of guidance in one’s life. Also, some say that the true symbol of this star is to create your own path, but to use the star as a guiding source as and when needed.
Nautical Star Tattoos Designs
The traditional nautical star bears five points that have a line splitting them in half down each point. Each of the triangular half of the points are filled with alternating colors. Earlier, only colors like white and black or red and black were used, but today, these stars can be found in all kinds of colors, depending on the person’s taste and personality.
Nautical star tattoos are unisex designs, thus, being a rage as tattoos for women and men. The nautical star is said to be an amalgamation of the North star, and the stars that we often see on compasses. Though the tattoos with these designs look great almost anywhere, they are popular as ankle tattoos for women and as wrist tattoos for men. The shapes and sizes of the tattoo designs vary depending on the place where you intend to get it inked. But often, people get a lot of small and intricately designed nautical stars, or they include other images like flower or tribal tattoos, or sun and moon tattoos, to make a truly unique tattoo design. Nautical tattoos inked singularly make a powerful statement, or even by using them as a part of another scene, the message can be enhanced. But, whichever tattoo design you choose, it is very important to take adequate care of the inked skin, to ensure a long-lasting and good-looking tattoo.
Nautical Star Tattoo with a Quote
Including a quote with this star can be a fantastic way to impart it a deep meaning. Cursive fonts are the best option to ink the quote on the design.
Nautical Star Tattoo with Inspirational Words
Sporting this star design with a couple of inspirational words of your choice can go a long way in assigning a valuable meaning to the tattoo.
Nautical Star Tattoo with Birth Information
What could be better than having your name and birth date engrossed on the design? Classy fonts can be used if you wish to give this tattoo a modern look.
Nautical Star Tattoo with Embossed Letter
A single letter which is either the first letter of your or your loved ones name can be inscribed over the nautical star.
Nautical Star Tattoo with Country Map
This tattoo design can be inked by filling the inner part of the star with the map of your country. This design is apt for those who wish to impart a geographic hue to the tattoo.
Nautical Star Tattoo with Multicolored Star
Each part of the star can be inked with a different color to bring about a chromatic feel.
These were just a few ideas for nautical star tattoos. You can use your creativity to come up with unique tattoos that signify something special to you. If you want a tattoo that is a sign of finding one’s way, thus, which will help in navigating through life, and make you a better person, then a nautical star tattoo is the best choice for you. Though its underlying meaning is not clear till today, don’t let that stop you from getting this tattoo, as it can mean whatever you want it to mean!
